- Tony and Karen Porcelli thank bystanders after a crash caused a building explosion.
- The July 5 crash in Herriman was due to Karen Porcelli's medical episode while driving, Tony said.
- Tony Porcelli spent over a month in a burn center.
WEST VALLEY CITY – The couple involved in a crash last month that led to a building explosion in Herriman is thanking those who helped them on scene.
Tony and Karen Porcelli were driving home from their daughter's house on July 5 when they hit a vehicle, went through a red light and crashed into a strip mall near 5200 West and 13400 South.
That crash caused a fire, which was followed by an explosion. Tony Porcelli told KSL-TV his wife suffered a medical episode behind the wheel.
"It was a seizure," he said during an interview Tuesday outside his West Valley City home. "She didn't have any control of anything."
After their vehicle hit the building, Tony Porcelli said his wife was trapped.
"At first, there was no one when I yelled for help," he said. "Next thing I know, there had to have been about 20 people trying to do something. That's what touches me."
He said those bystanders helped him rescue his wife.
"Once the (seat) belts were cut, we could grab her and — it was hard — but pull out and pull her to safety," he said.
Of the people who helped, he added, "I think they were angels."
The couple went to the hospital. Tony Porcelli was there the longest, spending more than a month at the University of Utah burn center.
Meanwhile, Karen Porcelli was cited late last month for a red light violation and following too close, both infractions. But the charging documents didn't make any mention of her having a seizure, which is what the couple maintains happened.
"She had no way to stop," Tony Porcelli said. "No way to turn."
Regardless, he said he wanted to thank the strangers who jumped into action to save him and his wife in their time of need.
"I am so thankful you guys helped," Tony Porcelli said. "We wouldn't be here if you hadn't have."
